What to Do Before You Leave for A Holiday

Mummy Confession: I’ve sometimes forgotten to do things before I leave the house, like take out the trash, or hang the laundry, but these are things you simply cannot do when leaving on holidays.

As we prepare to go on holidays for a short while, there are some things we need to remember, so I figured I would compile a list and share it here as well. Hopefully it will help you remember what to do when you go for a trip, whether it be a day or months at a time! Pin it for later, or share with someone you know who is going away for longer than a few hours!

In case you’ve missed them, find some helpful things to bring along for the trip in the car (some yummy road-worthy recipes in there!) as well as a list of what to bring on a trip to the snow (with kids)!

1. Take out the trash– In the bin, and if there is a garbage day while you are away, be sure to put it kerbside and arrange for someone to move it after it is emptied. Nothing like coming back home to a house smelling rancid or the bins completely full for another cycle before they are emptied. Or, the chance that there is a windy day, and your bins wind up wrecked or involved in some hit and run incidents.

2. Use up/store the perishable foods– Whether you are freezing meat or making sure to eat it, be sure you don’t leave it for too long in the fridge! Milk, vegetables, and other products need to be eaten, drank, or stored properly away, too. French toast for brekkie every morning before the trip could be a valid option!

3. Do the laundry– You will have enough to do upon your return, and no one wants the smell of dirty gym clothes sticking around too long in the laundry basket either. And be sure nothing sits wet in the washer. Mould and mildew are not pleasant!

4. Wash the Dishes- Not only will it be nice, look nice, and all that jazz, it won’t wreak and be covered in mould once you come back from your time away. Let it also be noted, if you have children or people who leave cups and containers, etc with drink or food in them, find them and empty and wash them all. Spoiled milk in a sippy cup is no one’s friend.

5. Ask someone to keep an eye on your mail– Especially if you’re expecting a parcel or a large amount of envelopes, it would be a good idea to ask someone to mind your mailbox! If you are away for a substantial time, put a hold on your mail.

6. Sort out the children &critters- Duh to the kids, right? And I’m case of pets, always ask someone to help care for them if they aren’t coming with you on your journey. You can have someone come to your house, or find somewhere for them to stay so they are properly cared for in your absence.

7. Be sure all appliances (minus the fridge) are unplugged and off– There is no need to have more electricity running while you are gone, and there are obvious ones that would be fire hazards. Just unplug everything that doesn’t need to be on. It’s probably also smart in case there is a lightening storm and the chance of surges especially with computers and other technology.

8. Lock up everything- Before you leave, be sure everything is locked properly and maybe close those blinds.

9. Ask someone to keep an eye out– Whether it’s a neighbour or friend, it’s wise to have someone check on your place while you are away and let the proper authorities know if there is any suspicious activity. Maybe consider giving your phone number, too.

10. Put a hold on any subscription service that is unneeded- Grocery or food box subscription? Ask to put a hold on it, as you don’t want to come back to rotten food. Going away for a longer time? Consider asking your internet provider or cable subscription service to put a hold on your service until your return. No need to pay for months you won’t be using if it’s a long trip!

11. Mow the lawn- In case of lawn-mowable seasons, just do it before you go so your lawn isn’t (too) overgrown when you get back. I can’t imagine needing to do more when you get back from a relaxing time away.

12. Tell someone who cares about you details of your trip, just in case– I err on the side of caution, and always tell someone how long I should be away.

13. Flush all of the toilets– Just do it because…well…do it. Better yet, scrub them down before you leave and come back to a clean toilet.

14. Turn off the lights– Nothing like a high electricity bill to greet you after an expensive holiday! Am I right?

15. Make a list of what you need to get on your way home- Now, maybe it’s a given, maybe it’s not, but if you’ve emptied your refrigerator before leaving on holidays, you may be missing any sort of ingredients to satisfy your hunger (or the hunger of the little ones) upon your return. Be sure to swing by the grocery store on your way back if possible, or set up for a grocery delivery the day on or after your return, so you don’t need to worry about it. Especially a smart move if you return to work or school the day after you come home.

I hope these are helpful as you pack for your journey wherever and for however long you may be leaving! If you have any other suggestions, I would be glad to hear them, so I don’t forget anything!